2022 Professional Development Workshops
Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 2pm
Avoiding Unintentional Sex Discrimination/Navigating Title IX Compliance
Zoom (link tbd)
Facilitator: Rebecca H. Newell, Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator
Discussion will center on attendee experiences and questions and may include topics
including, but not limited to: Supporting pregnant and parenting students, definition
of sexual harassment, SPOO analysis, the current regulations and the proposed regulations,
domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, reporting requirements, and what is
not considered a violation.
Supporting our College Age Students struggling with Mental Health Challenges
Bedford Campus, Academic Resources TLRC
Facilitators: Lynn Gregory, LMHC, Wellness Counselor & Leonard Russ, Assistant Dean of Student Support
Identifying and exploring challenges our students face and utilizing supportive tools to assist them as they progress through the academic year.
Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 2pm
Strategies for Difficult Conversations with Students
Lowell Campus, Cowan Center, Room 302
Facilitator: Lynn Gregory, LMHC, Wellness Counselor
To be successful, difficult conversations require care and sensitivity, mindful awareness of ourselves and the other person, in addition to skillful listening and speaking. In this session, we will discuss situations when communication can be difficult, as well as provide tips and strategies for effective communication when emotions may be running high. Email communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.
Meaningful Connections through Academic Planning
Bedford Campus, Enrollment Center 1st Floor, Academic and Transfer Advising Center
Facilitators: Bryan Wint, Assistant Dean of Academic Pathways, Josselyn Porter, Academic Counselor, & Maria Gonzalez, Academic Advisor
By shifting our approach and mindset around advising and registration, faculty can great impact student success within their classrooms, advising sessions, and also be a rewarding beneficial experience for us personally. Join us to learn about the history and role of academic advising in higher education, theoretical approaches to academic advisement, and discuss communication methods that work with our students. Email communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.
Thursday, November 10, 2022 at 2pm
Implementing Coaching Practice into Academic Planning
Zoom (link tbs)
Facilitators: Bryan Wint, Assistant Dean of Academic Pathways, Susan Hutchinson, Academic Counselor, & Melinda Turchiano, Academic Counselor
“A coaches message (is) not simply about winning, but about self-respect, courage,
and endurance” (Michael Lewis). As faculty, we play an important role as teacher or scholar. While these roles
are at the foundation of our practice, incorporating and understand the importance
of coaching techniques is vital to connecting with and supporting our students. Let’s
join together to learn about the importance of coaching and share commentary on those
who helped us in a mentor/mentee capacity. Email
communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.
Understanding the Needs and Accessing Resources for Dreamers: DACA and Undocumented Students
Hyflex: Bedford Campus, Campus Center Room 204 (Zoom or in-person)
Facilitators: Maria Aybar, Student Success Scholars Coach & Linda Thiem, Student Success Scholars Coach
Learn how to better support Undocumented and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students. Together, we will take a dive into the differences and similarities between the undocumented and DACA status, identify the educational barriers faced by these students and discuss the current internal and external resources available to them. Email communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.
Academic Integrity & Adjudicating Scholastic Dishonesty
Lowell Campus, Cowan Center, Room 302
Facilitator: Rebecca H. Newell, Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator
Plagiarism, contract cheating, and unauthorized sources – oh my! This discussion will focus on the causes of, pervasiveness of, and remedies to scholastic dishonesty (accidental and otherwise). Reporting, sanctioning, and educating students will be addressed. Email communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.
De-escalation strategies when addressing student conflict
Bedford Campus, Academic Resources, Innovation Room TLRC
Facilitator: Leonard Russ, Assistant Dean of Student Support Services
Participants will learn tips to assist them when addressing students in the classroom or workspace. This interactive workshop will focus on participants using tools discussed and how to implement to ensure success. Email communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.
Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 2pm
Navigating Student Grade Appeals
Zoom (link tbd)
Facilitator: Rebecca H. Newell, Dean of Students & Title IX Coordinator
Attendees will discuss their own experiences and/or perceptions of the Grade Appeal
Process, a division of the Student Grievance Procedure and walk through the rights
and responsibilities of all parties involved. Definitions, timeline, and tips for
preparing for and/or avoiding appeals will be reviewed. Email communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.
Using iGrad to Promote a Financial Well Lifestyle
Hyflex: Lowell Campus, Cowan Center, Multicultural Center, Room G-02 (Zoom link tbd or in-person)
Facilitator: Serrahtani Parrish, Financial Wellness Coach
Participants will learn what iGrad is, update their own iGrad account, and learn ways
to incorporate iGrad’s resources into their curriculum. Email communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 2pm
Gender Inclusive Communication
Hyflex: Bedford Campus, Campus Center, Room 204 (Zoom or in-person)
Facilitators: Emily Valenzuela, Coordinator of Multicultural Student Retention, Steve Rossi, Director of Student Engagement and Retention, & Linda Thiem, Senior Success Scholars Coach
Faculty will learn the importance of using gender-neutral language; both speaking
and writing in a way that is non-discriminatory against a specific sex and gender.
Email communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.
Supporting ELLs Across the Curriculum
Lowell Campus, Cowan Center, Room 406B
Facilitators: Virginia Drislane, ELL Learning Specialist & Lauren Twardy, Reading and Writing Learning Specialist
Identify different types of ELLs, learn more about resources at MCC to recommend to
your ELLs, and use tools and strategies to help each type of ELL achieve academic
success. This will be an interactive workshop with participants using the tools that
we introduce and talking about why they are effective. Participants are encouraged
to watch a video in preparation for this workshop at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ8mXcTYQaI
Email communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.
Building Resilience: How and Why?
Bedford Campus, Academic Resources, Innovation Room TLRC
Facilitators: Lynn Gregory, LMHC, Wellness Counselor & Jonathan Crockett, Coordinator of Essential Needs and Community Resources
Join us for an informal discussion and hands-on practice of three powerful techniques to improve your resilience, including mindfulness, gratitude, and self-compassion. We will end with an optional 15-minute mindfulness meditation. Email communitystandards@middlesex.mass.edu to register.